By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

The Alabaster Police Department soon will add another way to get important information out to city residents, as the department is putting the final touches on its new Facebook.com page.

The page, which will be at Facebook.com/Alabasterpolice, is set to launch on Monday, July 2. Police will use the website to distribute information about crime, issue public service announcements, warn residents of severe weather and more, said Alabaster Deputy Police Chief Curtis Rigney.

Rigney said the department also will use the site to issue tips on deterring crime, and will use the site to gather public input.

“We want to encourage everyone to join us after it goes up,” Rigney said. “We think people will like it.”